This Goo Will Protect Your Smart Phone from a Hammer [Video]

These days, mobile devices are pretty well established in people's health and fitness routines. Need to log a workout, map sweet runs, or get in touch with your doctor? There's probably an app for that.

But while our phones might be important items in our gym bag, they can't necessarily withstand exercise like our bodies do (as anyone who's ever dropped their iPhone while reaching for a dumbbell can attest). Luckily, the folks over at Popular Science might have stumbled upon the next big thing in protecting our sacred smartphones: Bright orange goo. The rubbery material — technically called a "non-Newtonian" fluid — behaves like Silly Putty but tenses up on impact, deflecting otherwise destructive energy. It's produced by a company called Tech 21, which currently uses it in their cell phone cases.

Not convinced? Take a look at the video above, where a Tech 21 employee wraps his finger in the stuff and then smashes it with a hammer (don't worry, he comes out unscathed!). It might not save your phone from a well-dropped 45 pound plate, but this video shows how companies are working on materials — like the goo — that could pave the way for more rugged mobile technology in the gym and on the trails.

And who's to say it'll stop there? Could we soon see some non-Newtonian magic in our football helmets and protective gear? That, of course, remains to be seen. For now, let's just make sure our iPhones are safe when we perch them on top of the treadmill, okay?

(Photo Credit: Benny Migliorino/Tech21)

What do you think of the video? Would you trust your tech (or your head) with orange goo? Let us know in the comments or tweet the author at @d_tao.